National Addiction Treatment CentersThe Short Answer
Behavioral therapies are structured counseling approaches used in addiction treatment to help individuals change their thinking patterns and behaviors related to substance use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these therapies are a core component of effective treatment and are often combined with medications when appropriate. SAMHSA notes that evidence-based behavioral therapies are provided by licensed clinicians in various treatment settings, including outpatient and residential programs.
Key Points
- Behavioral therapies help individuals develop skills to cope with triggers and prevent relapse, as explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (nida-treatment).
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to substance use, according to SAMHSA (samhsa-treatment-options).
- Contingency management uses positive incentives, such as vouchers or small rewards, to reinforce abstinence and treatment attendance, as described by NIDA (nida-treatment-recovery).
- Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling style that helps resolve ambivalence about change, as noted by SAMHSA (samhsa-treatment-options).
- Family therapy involves loved ones in the treatment process to improve communication and support recovery, per SAMHSA (samhsa-treatment-options).
- Twelve-step facilitation therapy encourages engagement with mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (niaaa-finding-help).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, commonly called CBT, is a widely used evidence-based approach in addiction treatment. SAMHSA explains that CBT helps individuals recognize and change the thoughts and feelings that drive substance use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse adds that CBT teaches coping skills to handle high-risk situations and manage cravings.
This therapy is typically delivered in individual or group sessions by a licensed clinician.
Contingency Management
Contingency management is a behavioral therapy that provides tangible rewards, such as vouchers or small cash incentives, for meeting treatment goals like providing negative drug tests. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that this approach has been shown to improve treatment retention and abstinence rates. SAMHSA includes contingency management among the evidence-based practices recommended for substance use disorder treatment.
Rewards are given immediately to reinforce positive behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling style designed to strengthen personal motivation for change. According to SAMHSA, this therapy helps individuals explore and resolve their own reasons for stopping substance use. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends it as an effective approach for alcohol use disorder.
Sessions are collaborative and non-confrontational, encouraging the individual to articulate their own goals.
Family Therapy
Family therapy involves the individual’s loved ones in the treatment process to improve family dynamics and support recovery. SAMHSA explains that this approach addresses communication patterns, roles, and relationship issues that may contribute to substance use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that involving family can strengthen the individual’s support network and reduce relapse risk.
Sessions may include multiple family members and focus on education and skill-building.
Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy
Twelve-step facilitation therapy is an active, structured approach that encourages individuals to engage with mutual support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that this therapy prepares individuals for long-term recovery by emphasizing acceptance, surrender, and active participation in a 12-step program. SAMHSA notes that it is commonly used in conjunction with other behavioral therapies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but is now used in addiction treatment. SAMHSA explains that DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and distress tolerance skills. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors that may lead to substance use.
It is often delivered in both individual and group sessions.
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Sources
This guide summarises these official sources. Check them for the latest guidance.
- Treatment (National Institute on Drug Abuse): https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment
- Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorders (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
- Treatment and Recovery (National Institute on Drug Abuse): https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
- Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
About This Guide
This guide is general information from official sources, not medical or legal advice. Ask a doctor, your insurer or the program itself about your own situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What therapies are used in addiction treatment?
Addiction treatment uses a variety of behavioral therapies tailored to the individual, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational interviewing, family therapy, twelve-step facilitation, and dialectical behavior therapy. These evidence-based approaches are provided by licensed clinicians and are often combined with medications when appropriate.
What is contingency management?
Contingency management is a behavioral therapy that uses positive incentives, such as vouchers or small rewards, to reinforce abstinence and treatment attendance. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it has been shown to improve outcomes like retention in treatment and drug-free urine tests. Rewards are given immediately when individuals meet agreed-upon goals.